Qatar lose to Saudi Arabia in FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifier

alt
June 30, 2026
basketball
30-June-2026

Qatar lose to Saudi Arabia in FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifier

Doha: Qatar’s senior national basketball team produced a determined performance but suffered an 86–80 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their rescheduled second-window Asian Qualifier for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, held on Monday evening at Al Gharafa Sports Hall.

Saudi Arabia made a strong start, taking the opening quarter 29–20 before extending its advantage with a 17–15 second quarter to carry an 11-point lead into halftime.

Qatar responded impressively after the break, winning the third quarter 24–22 before continuing to apply pressure in the final period, which they claimed 21–18. Despite their spirited comeback, the first-half deficit proved decisive as Saudi Arabia secured the victory.

Following the result, Saudi Arabia moved to seven points at the top of Group D, while Qatar have six points alongside Lebanon, with India remaining fourth, leaving the race for qualification finely balanced heading into the third qualification window.

Qatar will now shift their focus to consecutive away fixtures, beginning with a clash against India in Ahmedabad on July 2 before facing Saudi Arabia again in Jeddah on July 5.

The Qatari delegation is headed by Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams, alongside Team Manager Jassim Ibrahim Ashkanani and Assistant Team Manager Nabil Jumaa.

The team is coached by Turkish head coach Hakan Demir, assisted by Cengiz Karadag, Mirsad Memic, Abdou Sow, and strength and conditioning coach Mohamed Vural. The medical staff includes Dr. Adel Harmia, Dr. Adel Selim, and Nikasio Sagaino.

Qatar's 12-player roster comprises Abdulrahman Saad, Mostafa Fouda, Omar Saad, Zeineddine Badr, Mohamed Hashem, Mostafa Nado, Babacar Dieng, Ousmane Dieng, Aladji Bobo Magassa, Alen Hadzibegovic, Donte Grantham, and Mahmoud Darwish.